Have constantly been sent a query regarding the books for the above mentioned age group. Hence, this blog is purely dedicated to the parents and their children.
1)Charlie and the chocolate factory (Dahl Fiction)
The real challenge is to love the good and the bad together, not because you need to take the rough with the smooth but because you need to go beyond such description and accept the love in its entirety – Elif Shafak for Shams Of Tabriz
About the Author
Shafak is a Turkish-British Novelist, Essayist, Public Speaker and A Women Rights Activist. She holds a degree in International Relations, a Master’s Degree in Gender and Women’s Studies in Phd in Political Science.
Shafak, has got 16 books published under her name, out of which 10 are novels. Her first ever work was “Pinhan” (The Hidden), that was awarded the Rumi Prize in 1998. Followed by the chain of Fiction and Non Fiction work. Shafak, has also been a TED GLOBAL speaker twice.
Book Review #15
The Forty Rules Of Love, a book with a great plot with not so great way of writing. The book runs on the parallel times and centuries. One of the Shams of Tabriz and Rumi and the second on Ella and A.Z.Zahara. However, the common thing in both the stories is the message of love spread by Rumi.
An American housewife Ella Rubenstein in her 40’s (not a very happy married woman), takes a job as a reader at a company. Her first assignment is to read a fiction novel called “Sweet Blasphemy”, written by A.Z.Zahara. In his book Zahara, mentions about how Shams of Tabriz and Rumi (companions) dared to break all the conventional rules made by the society in context to love and jihad.
Not everyone welcomes and appreciate their ideas or thoughts, and eventually both of them becomes the target of prevailing rumors, attack and murder.
Getting immensely mesmerized by the story, Ella falls for Aziz, and starts a communication via emails with finally meeting physically. Growing distant from her husband Ella leaves for Amsterdam to meet Aziz and spend the rest of her life with him. While reading the book Ella realizes that her life is just like Rumi, who’s stuck with unwanted relationships and Aziz like Shams who has entered her live to free her like Rumi.
The book consists of 40 rules of love, which are pretty interesting to be read and can stick with you for a long time. Overall a fine experience, not a lot absorbing for me though. Shafak tried to touch the sociopolitical issue, with a contemporary tale of discontentment.
A fine one time read! The way of narration is boring!
He sat on the cot and drank in darkness. Wet came the tears. They would not cease. This was like childhood, this grief. – William Peter Blatty
About the Author
Born on January 7th, 1928 in the New York City, Blatty was an American writer and filmmaker. He took his Bachelor’s Degree in English from the Georgetown University, followed by a Master’s degree from the George Washington University.
Blatty was known for his novel THE EXORCIST, which was later adapted as a film by the director William Friedkin. William married four times and had seven children. He was a Roman Catholic, he filed a canon law petition against his alma mater Georgetown University.
Blatty died of multiple myeloma on January 12, 2017, at a hospital in Bethesda, five days after his 89th birthday.
Book Review #14
The Exorcist is a horror novel written by William Peter Blatty. It is based on a 1949 exorcism, Blatty heard about while he was a Bachelor’s student in 1950, at Georgetown University. The book will take you through the ride of feelings like shock, horror, fear, nausea and small measure of dogged hope.
Undoubtedly, a best seller THE EXORCIST has the accurate details in the theological and psychological aspect. It is one of the best books ever written of it’s types that excels the genre of terror, and supernatural.
It is not simply horror, it is so much more and being such a long and detailed book, when it ends that feeling of being immersed in another world disappears as if something is now missing. I highly recommend this book of pretty great artistry. However, not meant for the weak hearts.
#About the cover, I still get chills down my spine, whenever I pick this book. To me it feels like the girl on the cover will open her eyes anytime.
Long long ago , I learned the heart cannot live in two places. I had to choose, my heart is in America, where is yours? – Marivi Soliven
About the Author
Marivi Soliven is a Filipina author, living in America and working as an interpreter. Her book “The Mango Bride”, that I will review today has won the Grand Prize for the Novel in English at the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature.
Book Review #13
So, this is my lucky 13 book review, phew! I am absolutely excited to review “The Mango Bride”. It is a story about the two different nature women, Amparo and Beverly who move to America so they could leave behind their respective pasts. Amparo escaping from the shame and Beverly to start a new family.
Their paths cross and eventually they learn that their lives are more connected that they could have imagined. As the story unfolds, dark truths and secrets emerge from their past that will impact their future drastically.
A time deserving and refreshing book, which will make you feel connected with the random elements and events in the story. The storytelling is impeccable and enduring, I could easily relate to every character which is very important when you read a book. #TotalWorthIt.
I would like to recommend this book to all those, who are looking for some new and different way of writing, with a great story. At the end I want to mention that It is a novel that surprises one with depth and dash, and is there to last.
The book is about how to live a better life, without negativity. Meyer, has suggested a couple of things in her book to free yourself from depression, worry, anger and doubt.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
2) The Richest Man In Town by V.J.Smith
It is a story of Marty, a man in his seventies who worked at a Walmart store in a small town of South Dakota. What made an ordinary man so special that he became “The Richest Man In Town”? A heartfelt story, must read.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
The link for Amazon.in is for kindle specifically, since the book is available only in hardcover and kindle.
3) The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
A business man and writer Stephen R. Covey, in his book tells what makes an ordinary man, extraordinary. Covey has included ideas, about how not only manage your professional life but the personal life as well.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
4) Think And Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
This book tells us the principles, of growing rich in personal and professional aspects. The author of the book Napoleon Hill interviewed a couple of wealthy and successful people to determine the truths, and facts of being successful.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
5) Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff And Its All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson
This book is all about seeing the bigger picture in everything, and letting things go that are not really important.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
6) Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
This book is an in-depth account of the life of Steve Jobs. Including personal and professional.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
7) Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life….And Maybe The World, by William H. McRaven
A simple and timeless book which gives you a practical advice, that inspires you to achieve more.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
8) How To Win Friends And Influence People by Dale Carnegie
After this book by Carnegie, the personal relationships and business relationships were considered inseparable and absolute compatible.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
9) The Power Of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale
The basic concept of this book is to be optimistic, which makes one healthier and happier.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in And Amazon.com
10) You Are A Badass: How To Stop Doubting Your Greatness And Start Living An Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
This book is a collection of 27 short stories, packed with humor and great advice. A must read for today’s time.
The first thought that my usual reader would get will be, where are the “Quote” and “About the author” columns? The answer to this question is, I could hardly find one in this book, and the information about the author is barely available on google or any other search engine. All I got to know is that the name of the author is “Anita Kumar”, who’s based out of Delhi.
I don’t believe in criticizing the work of any writer, specially until I am capable enough of writing a book, however this book that I read is one of the least admired works in my case. The topic on which the book is written is sensitive yet incomplete “Homosexuality”.
The book is about two women trapped in their own lives. One is locked in an unwanted and undesirable marriage, and the other fails to express her individuality in public. Kumar wanted to express the sexual orientation of a woman, but has failed miserably. Without a shadow of doubt this book can be read as an option, when you have nothing else to read even a newspaper. #Bad Read #Disappointed
Happens to be one of my favorite novels and tops the list, Pride and Prejudice is a classic romance written by Jane Austin. A great combination of fun and wit. The main characters of the book Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy will keep you down on the chair.
Where to Buy ?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
2) Romeo And Juliet by Shakespeare
Shakespeare in his novel stages both love and violence, in a balance form. An extraordinary love story without which this list would be incomplete.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
3) Women In Love by D.H.Lawrence
The story revolves around two sisters, Ursula and Gudrun, happens to be the survivals of the first world war. Ursula fell in love with Birkin and Gudrun, had a tragic affair with Gerald.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
4) Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
A tale of greed, revenge, guilt and reward “Great Expectations” is a gripping novel. One of the best works by Charles Dickens, surely deserves a room in your library.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
5) Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
This book is considered to be one of the best and the most inspiring novels in the history. Suggested to me by one of my friends during a conversation, and I am not only glad but thankful for his suggestion. It makes you realize how to live a fulfilled life.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
6) Lady Chatterley’s Lover by D.H. Lawrence
A book banned in 1960, considered to be a pornography and now a masterpiece. It is a story of an extramarital affair and an explicit sexual relationship. A must read! Thank me later.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in (A Kindle Edition, Paperbacks and Hardcovers are mostly out of stock) and Amazon.com
7) Madame Bovary by Gustave Falubert
Again a scandalized novel among its readers in 1857, Madame Bovary still remains the best and unmatched in its beautifully and vastly written characters and plot.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
8) The Graduate by Charles Webb
This book is arresting in its brilliant use of dialogues. An intelligent and tremendous read for the classic loves.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
9) Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
A book of love and terror and a great combination of emotions, memories and fantasies.
Where to buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
10) A Room With A View by E.M.Forster
A classic tale of human struggles where the character had to choose between a society and true love.
“You just be honest about who you are, and if you don’t end up with any friends , then good for you” – Chelsea Handler
About the Author
44 years, and aging like wine Handler was born in Livingston New Jersey. Professionally, an American Comedian, Actress, Writer, Television Host, Producer and many more in an endless list. Handler was one of the 100 most influential people in the world on the Time 100 list. Her first book “My Horizontal Life: A Collection Of One Night Stands” was based on the sexual encounters she had in life came out in 2005, which was also given the New York Times Best Seller Award.
Her third book which apparently is a favorite of many women including myself, “Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang” came out in March 2010, hit the No. 1 on The New York Times Nonfiction Hardback Bestseller List.
Book Review #11
An amazing book to begin with, Handler while smoking on a windy night of 2016, imagine how the life of a woman would be in The White House. And then, Donald Trump happens. Though lethargic, she one day decides that it’s time to make some major changes not only in her life but the world at large. In the process, she learns how to work the remote, picks her dog shit etc.
She visits her therapist cum psychologist who makes her go deep and remember her childhood, which was a great combination of love and loss. In this whole process she discovers what matters the most in life, family, friends and being open to love.
Full of humor and lovable sarcasm, Handler has done it yet again. There is no second thought or doubt about how the book was given the Best Seller New York Award. This book will show you the other side of Chelsea, a funny yet emotional, how deep and painful childhood she had and her ugly crying sessions with her therapist.
A must and an unavoidable read for everyone, even a non reader won’t be able to keep the book down.
Where to Buy?
Amazon.in and Amazon.com
An expensive Hardcover, hence suggesting the Amazon.in customers, to buy the paperback or the kindle edition for this one.
“She loved the way her city always sounded like it was celebrating”- Sarah Pekkanen
About the Author
Sarah Pekkanen
Born in New York City, Pekanen is an international and the USA best selling author. There is not much to say about this brilliant writer, but she was a formal investigation journalist and a feature writer. Her work has been published in The USA Today, The Washington Post and many other leading newspapers.
Greer Hendricks
Greer Hendricks spent over two decades as an editor at Simon & Schuster. Prior to her tenure in publishing, she worked at Allure magazine and obtained her masters in journalism from Columbia University. Her writing has been published in The New York Times and Publishers Weekly. Greer lives in Manhattan with her husband and two children. The Wife Between Us is her first novel.
Book Review #10
A twisted psychological thriller “An Anonymous Girl”, is another brilliant work by the authors. It is a book about a young girl “Jess” who’s a makeup artist by profession, and how she decides to become a part of a psychologist’s research on Ethics. Through a multilayered personality Jess, many questions will arise in your mind as a reader and until you get all the answers, you wouldn’t be able to sit and relax.
A book good that will leave you with several shocking thoughts and questions for days. This book is recommended for the psychology and thrill lovers. An Amazing Read! Definitely deserves a place in everyone’s book selves.
“Human knowledge is never contained in one person. It grows from the relationships we create between each other and the world, and still it is never complete” – Late Dr. Paul Kalanithi
About the Author
Born on April 1st, 1977 to the Christian parents hailing from Tamil Nadu, India, Paul was an Indian-American Neurosurgeon and writer. His first and the only book “When Breath Becomes Air” is considered his autobiography based on his life and the illness battling stage IV Lung Cancer. Paul was an alumni of the “Stanford University School Of Medicine”. He lost his life to cancer at the age of 37, in March ’15.
Book Review #9
It is not surprising for me to know that this book I am going to review today, has been given “The New York Times Non-Fiction Best Seller” for several weeks. After reading this book, I have a take away which is, life can be absolute unpredictable at times. A doctor “Paul Kalanithi” who was blessed to have a great family and a career had the life cut short in the most tragic way.
The first half of the book consists of the life journey of Dr. Kalanithi including his family, friends, career and his wife. From a want to be student of literature to a Doctor. In the second half of the book Paul has tried to answer the question “what makes life meaningful?” through his own experiences and undertakings. How it feels to get into a patient’s gown from a doctor’s coat. Without the self-pity Paul has written a beautiful book, which is enough to make you carry along.
By far, this has been the most difficult book for me to review. It has made me think about the experiences I had in life and all the unnecessary wants I ever had. This book is simply exquisite and is a must read for everyone.
Readavorous (Dastan-e-Kitaab) 